3 things to know before you go to Dreamville Festival
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Dreamville Festival has made Raleigh the hottest city in North Carolina the first weekend in April since it launched in 2018. Photo: Courtesy of Dreamville Festival
Dreamville Festival returns to Dorothea Dix Park April 5-6 with a stacked lineup featuring several big-name acts including Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, Erykah Badu, J. Cole and Charlotte native Lute.
Why it matters: This will be the festival's fifth and final year after becoming one of the biggest attractions in North Carolina in recent years.
Here are 3 things to know before you go:
Transportation
There are two main entrances (east and west) on opposite sides of Dorothea Dix Park. The park is between downtown (east entrance) and NC State’s Campus, which is closest to the west entrance.
- There are plenty of paid parking lots near the university, close to the park, and four locations downtown close to the downtown shuttle stop. Parking can cost up to $50 per day.
- The downtown shuttle has pick-up and drop-off near downtown's Moore Square at 209 E Martin St. It will drop you off next to the west entrance of the festival. It runs nonstop from 10am-1am. It costs $50 to ride the shuttle.
- The Lyft/Uber pick-up and drop-off spots will get you the closest to the park. If you're coming from the west entrance, you'll want to call a ride for Centennial Parkway. East entrance pick-up is closer to downtown Raleigh along South Street.
Schedule
Gates open at noon. Performances typically start at 1pm both days.
- There are security checkpoints to search belongings on both sides of the main entrances. This could take a while, depending on what time you arrive.
- Performances will alternate between two stages, called Rise and Shine, throughout the day.
What to bring
You're allowed to have a personal bag and an empty water bottle.
- All bags larger than a small clutch or fanny pack must be clear. A small clutch or fanny pack that’s not clear can only have one zipper.
- There are limited phone charging lockers (cords not provided) on festival grounds. Prices are $57.63 for the weekend.
- Hydration packs can have more than two pockets. They must be empty, but don't have to be clear.
What's next: If you don’t want to suffer from FOMO, you can purchase a verified resale ticket on the Dreamville website. You can also watch the livestream on Amazon Music.
Editor's note: We've updated this guide with the latest details about the 2025 festival.